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Periodic optometric examinations are an important part of routine preventive
health care. Many eye and vision conditions present no obvious symptoms.
Therefore, individuals are often unaware that a problem exists. Early
diagnosis and treatment are important for maintaining good vision and
when possible preventing permanent vision loss.
The need for and frequency of optometric examinations varies with age, race, medical history, family history, occupation and other factors. Individuals with ocular signs or symptoms require prompt examination. In addition, the presence of certain risk factors may necessitate more frequent evaluations based on professional judgement.
SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN
Vision may change frequently during the school years. The most common problems are due to the development and progression of nearsightedness. In addition, the existence of eye focusing and/or eye co-ordination problems may affect school performance. Periodic examinations are recommended.
At Risk: Children failing to progress educationally or exhibiting reading and/or learning disabilities should receive an optometric examination as part of a multidisciplinary evaluation.
ADULTS
During the adult years, the increased visual demands of our technological society bring about the need for regular optometric care. While the incidence of ocular disease is low for young adults, vocational and recreational visual demands are significant. To maintain visual efficiency, productivity, and optimum eye health, periodic examinations are recommended.
Adults, beginning in their early to mid-forties, can experience changes in their ability to see clearly at close distances. This normal ageing change in the eye's focusing ability will continue during the forties and fifties. In addition, increases in the incidence of eye health problems occur during these years. Therefore, periodic eye examinations are recommended.
At Risk: Individuals diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, or who have a family history of glaucoma, those who work in highly visually demanding or eye hazardous occupations, those taking certain systemic medications with ocular side effects or those with other health concerns or conditions.
OLDER ADULTS
Individuals age 61 or older have an increasing risk for the development of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration and other sight threatening or visually disabling eye conditions as well as systemic health conditions. Therefore, annual eye examinations are recommended.
At Risk: Individuals diagnosed with diabetes or hypertension, or who have a family history of glaucoma or cataracts, and those taking systemic medications with ocular side effects or those with other health concerns or conditions.
FREQUENCY OF EXAMINATION* |
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Age |
Asymptomatic/Risk Free |
At Risk |
Pre-school (2 to 5 years) |
At 3 years of age |
At 3 years of age or as recommended |
School age (6 - 18 years) |
Before first grade and every two years thereafter |
Annually or as recommended |
Adults (19 - 40 years) |
Every two to three years |
Every one to two years or as recommended |
Adults (41 - 60 years) |
Every two years |
Every one to two years or as recommended |
Older adult (+61 years) |
Annually |
Annually or as recommended |
*
Guidelines in this table may be insufficient for contact lens wearers.
